‘Atunaisa Fonua was born on September 26th, 1956 to Sinipata and Makalita Tuitu'u Fonua from Fo'ui, Hihifo, Tongatapu, Tonga. He served a twenty-nine month full-time LDS mission immediately after graduating from Liahona High School amongst the beautiful Tongan islands from 1974-1976. He later attended school at Laie, Hawaii's Brigham Young University where he met his beautiful wife, Siale ‘Atelaite Pasiaka Fonua. They were sealed for all time and eternity in the Los Angeles California LDS Temple. They had three sons: Christian Olson Fonua, Safileti Brandon Fonua and Samuel Gordon Fonua. Lastly, they finally had their one and only daughter: Lupi Shlayna Fonua. Eighteen years later, they adopted and raised another son: Chris Sami Lousiale.
‘Atunaisa's massive love for his own LDS mission led all of his children to follow his example and also serve full-time missions as well. Chris and Hilda Afutiti Fonua, Safi and Haven Barlow Fonua, Don and Ruby Tu'aone Fonua and Garett and Layna Fonua Matthews have all been married and sealed in various temples. Their youngest Chris however, is currently an honor roll student in his local Middle School. Each of his adult children are all either settled in their careers or pursuing their college degrees except for his second eldest son who is a Cal State University Dominguez Hills Baccalaureate Alumni. He is survived by his pride and joy, his eight outstanding grandchildren: Shlayna Fa'ava Fonua, Safi Troy Fonua Jr, ‘Atunaisa Kalake Fonua, Seiseira Rosie Fonua, Nikotimasi Kali Fonua, Elijah Niuvakai Fonua, Sofia Ina Beth Fonua, and Savannah Hope Fonua.
He worked for over thirty one years at Safeway Inc., Los Angeles Milk and Culture Plant as a Lead Foreman and Local Union 630 Representative. He commuted for over two hours each way from their home in Rialto, California for all of these years until he finally retired from the company. His co-workers became his second family, and they shared many golf tournaments and lifelong memories outside of the workplace. If you knew Naisa, you knew he loved all sports. However, his favorite sport was the prestigious gentleman's game of golf. He loved to play a weekly round of golf with friends and family members, and if he wasn't playing, you can be sure he was thinking of playing.
For the most part of his life outside of family, work and off the green, he could be found serving the Lord. He served in several callings throughout the church including Bishoprics, Stake High Council, Elders Quorum, High Priest, Ward Missionary and Sunday School Presidencies. One of his favorite callings was that in the temple. Naisa and Siale worked in the Los Angeles Temple weekly on his day off, every Wednesday. He grew to love and enjoy the infamous L.A. traffic due to the extra two hours of alone time with his wife during the busy commute each way. His favorite calling however was that of a Missionary and Teacher. He loved to teach and share his testimony with any and all who were within the sound of his voice.
After retirement, he and his wife relocated to the beautiful Pebble Beach, California for five years. After which, they lastly moved to Herriman, Utah to be closer to their youngest son. All of his children and grandchildren later joined him in Utah immediately after to enjoy his last year of life altogether. Naisa will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and ability to make all who were around him feel loved and laugh uncontrollably. He had an unshakable love of God, his gorgeous Wife and Best Friend, his children and grandchildren, and the game of golf. He lived a life of service and love. He enjoyed the journey and endured all without complaint until he passed the evening of Thursday, May 18th, 2017. He will be forever cherished and remembered in our hearts by many.
The Family Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 2nd, 2017 from 6:30pm-11:00pm atThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints-Grandview Ward, 5017 W. Grand View Peak Drive, Riverton Utah, 84065.
The Bishops Service will be on Saturday, June 3rd at 10:00 a.m. also at the ward building in the chapel.
Interment will be in the Herriman City Cemetery.
A terrible loss for anyone who ever knew Naisa, as we all called him. I worked with him for most of his 31 years and you could not have had a better employee and to me one of the best friends I have ever known. We had so much fun at work regardless how hectic the day was but the real fun came on our weekly golf games. I also had the pleasure to play a round of golf with him and one of his sons. After I retired he would call me and we would reminisce about the fun we had at work. When his phone calls stopped I wondered what had happened and was shocked to find the obituary on the internet yesterday 12/10/2021. I am deeply saddened by this loss and can only imagine what the family has lost. He will always survive in my memories. Rest in Peace Naisa, You have earned it!!
